Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1887-01-04
New ,Ietrono1ltan rheater.

The Kiralfy Brothers presented last
night the spectacular and lyric creation en-
titled . The Ratcatcher" 1t is based upon
the legend of the town of Hamelin, by
/ the Weser's tide" and which Browning
has made familiar by the celebrated poem,
The Pied Piper of Hamelin." A wande.
ing minstrel bargains with the Burgomas-
ter to free the town of rats, and lures them
by the weird notes of bis pipe into the
river and destruction. Claiming lis re
ward he is spurned, and charged with
witchcraft. whereupon he played again
and all the children of the city follow him
over the river and into the open side of
Kappleburg mountain, which closes, and
they are lost to their parents forever; but
strange people in far distant land years
after had tradition that they sprang from
the children of Hamelin who were charmed
away from their native land by the Pied
Piper. The story OF the drama varies,
however, by having the children, on the
interposition of the Burgomaster's daugh-
| ter. restored, the Pied Piper for love of her
undoing his revenge.
The spectacle last night presented en-
tirely new scenery, and some of it very
fine. The stage was crowded with people,
as many as 125 being in action at one time.
Hubert Wilke is the Piper of the play.
He is of fine figure, sings in a good,
strong and sympathetic baritone, and acts
his part with a vigor and striking panto-
mimic effect, that admirably BELTS the
character represented and the romance of
the play The ballet, which is excellent in
action and graceful figures, introduces
thirty-five skilled female dancers, with
Miles Vivian Tagiani, and Copelin, lead
ing The ballet of The LaceS" was one
of the richest-dressed ever presented here,
and that of The Village Beauties
scarcely less so. All the costumery was
good, and is claimed to be histori-
cally correct, as also are the scenic
drops presenting the architecture, exte-
rior and interior, of the period of the play.
The chorus is quite up to the level of the
other striking features of the piece, and the
low-comedy part by Mr.. Ray is full OF dry
humor. The stage was cleared to its utter
most limit for the eyolutions of the ballet
and the placing of the scenes, but was
found still too small thus some confusion,
embarrassment and crowding was at times
observable So admirable is the drill of the
company, however that it is easy to under
stand how it will disappear tonight,
and how the action of the spec
tacle be much fastened. 1t has
been many years since so large a
troupe was put upon any stage in Sacra-
mento, and none, all things considered,
that has been better handled. In an inter-
Jude, Bellac, juggler of remarkable skill,
and the Moxons-three highly-skilled
equilibrists and acrobats-gave very en-
tertaining performance, breaking agreeably
into the play in the midst of a betrothal
festival. The spectacle certainly must
have been put upon the stage at very heavy
expense. 1t scored decided success, and
approving applause was warm and almost
constant. In the endeavor to make the
production of the play warrant the
cost, the seats have been graded, GER
tain rows are reserved and command
a price above the ordinary rate,
the general admission being 10 cents, and
from that to 81 90. Reservation, however,
can be made without extra charge, and
there are plenty of dress circle seats at 81
and balcony seats at 80 cents. The spec
taele, with all its bold scenery, lime
lights, pretty dancers, graceful figures,
speciality performers, troops of children,
rich costumes and pleasing music, will be
repeated tonight, when, it is reasonable to
expect, the house will be filled, and the
costly venture of the management in
bring such large company here be in
dorsed as encouragement for future labors
in the same direction.